Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

Postdoctoral Researcher in Modeling Damage Mechanics in Cavitation of Soft Materials

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

At the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) within the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich, we strive to understand how materials deform, degrade, and ultimately fail. Our research is driven by a curiosity about the physical mechanisms underlying failure and a commitment to translating this understanding into more reliable and resilient materials and structures. By combining numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses, we aim to link microscopic processes to the macroscopic behavior of both engineering and natural systems, developing predictive tools for mechanical failure.

Our team is highly interdisciplinary and international, uniting researchers from materials science, mechanics, and applied physics. We investigate a broad array of topics, including:

• Mechanics of particle systems (colloidal and granular)
• Architected and topologically interlocked materials
• Fragility mechanics in collagen
• The mechanics of earthquakes
• Fracture of soft materials
• Modeling failure in multiphysical processes such as corrosion-driven degradation of concrete

These efforts are united by our shared curiosity about material failure and our commitment to advancing concepts, experiments, and models that deepen our understanding of failure mechanics.

Project Background

In pursuit of furthering our understanding of soft material failure, we are looking for a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in computational solid mechanics and fracture/damage modeling. This individual will help expand our modeling capabilities and drive independent research that complements and extends our work on the mechanisms governing material failure.

Job Description

• Lead the computational and theoretical investigation of damage evolution associated with cavitation in soft materials under high-rate loading.
• Develop physics-based models that connect behavior across scales, from the polymeric network and mesoscale structure to the macroscopic continuum, supported by consistent coarse-graining and homogenization strategies.
• Formulate constitutive and damage laws that capture cavitation-driven processes, implement and verify robust large deformation solvers, and conduct rigorous verification and validation using datasets from collaborators in Prof. Christian Franck's group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Expect a stimulating environment that fosters scientific growth and collaboration.

Profile

• A doctoral degree in mechanical, civil, aerospace, biomedical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related field.
• A strong background in computational solid mechanics and nonlinear continuum mechanics, including fracture and damage modeling under large deformations.
• Experience in implementing and verifying numerical solvers, analyzing stability and convergence, and performing verification against experimental data.
• Proficiency in Python, along with good software engineering practices such as version control and testing.
• Experience with high-rate dynamics, cavitation, viscoelastic or poroelastic behavior, or uncertainty quantification is a plus.
• A curious, self-motivated individual who enjoys close collaboration with experimentalists, including partners at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Strong communication skills in English, the ability to mentor students, and a commitment to open and reproducible research are essential.

Workplace

You will join a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, rigor, and collaboration. ETH Zurich offers an outstanding scientific environment with access to high-performance computing. The position includes close collaboration with Prof. Christian Franck's group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including regular joint meetings and the possibility of short research visits. ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer that provides excellent working conditions, promotes cultural diversity, and offers attractive benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

Aligned with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are dedicated to working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We welcome your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• A CV
• A list of publications
• A brief statement outlining your research interests and how they relate to the themes of this position
• The names and contact details of two references

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

The position is available with a flexible start date, ideally as soon as possible, and can be offered with a workload of 80-100%.

For further information about the professorship, visit our website. For questions regarding the position, please contact Prof. David Kammer at dkammer@ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of knowledge into society, ETH Zurich attracts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering an independent thinking environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we connect globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.